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Excellent review on Goodreads of my book 'Heather Skye Wilson Is the Psychic Warrior' by Melissa Bowersock.

25/10/2013

Author Melissa Bowersock

I have just received the most excellent review on Goodreads for my book 'Heather Skye Wilson Is the Psychic Warriror' by Melissa Bowersock.

Melissa Bowersock's Review Oct 24, 13
4 of 5 stars
Read in August, 2013
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/748360465

I found the concept of this book intriguing, as it takes a very advanced view of the foibles of human nature and tries to find solutions to the struggles we have dealt with for millennia. I was especially caught up by the invention of the “sting,” an implanted capability that suddenly and irrevocably levels the playing field between men and women in a very surprising way.

As Heather Skye Wilson evolves in her psychic and diplomatic training and takes on more and more responsibility in this future world of 2087, the story accurately describes the ongoing struggles to create a perfect world full of very imperfect people. Even as the most progressive thinkers work toward the goal of ensuring everyone has access to the safest, most productive potential they can achieve, other predatory forces continue to plumb the deepest, darkest corners of the human soul. The story wrestles with the most profound questions of humanity, and the answers are more complex and more surprising than you might guess.

Melissa Bowersock is an accomplished author in her own right. She has been both traditionally-published and self-published, and is a regular contributor to the superblog Indies Unlimited. She has 10 novels that range from historic romance to contemporary to spiritual to action/adventure. She also wrote and published the award-winning true story of her aunt, an Army nurse and POW during WWII (Marcia Gates: Angel of Bataan. Her latest novel, Stone's Ghost, launched at the end of July, 2013. You can find her books on amazon, barnesandnoble or on her website, www.newmoonrising.net. You can also follow her blog at http://mjb-wordlovers.blogspot.com.

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David Laing's "Forest Secrets" Book Launch

7/10/2013

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Author of the "Forest" trilogy David Laing & T.D. McKinnon at the launch of "Forest Secrets" the third book in the trilogy.

I was at the very successful launch of the third book in the "Forest" trilogy "Forest Secrets", by author David Laing, last Sunday 6th October, that was held at the Settlers Restaruant in Deloraine, NorthernTasmania.

An exciting read, for young and old alike, these children's books are action-packed yarns filled with adventure, mystery, magic, suspense, spiritualism, Aboriginal and Australian culture, and a cast of interesting characters including a wombat and a German Shepherd named Shadow. These books are about loyalty, trust and true friendship, and a must for readers of all ages.

The launch was well attended and represents the culmination of seven years of creative endeavour from David's first putting pen to paper on the first book, "Forest Spirit" to the second "Forest Shadows" and now this final volume "Forest Secrets".

Well done David I wish you every success with these and all your future works. All of David's books are available on Amazon.

"Forest Secrets" was launched by editor and actor Zoë Lake.

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My Interview by Award Winning Author Massimo Marino

7/10/2013

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Massimo Marino

Diamones by Massimo Marino

I was interviewed by Massimo Marino this week.
If you don't know Massimo he is the author of multiple awarded sci-fi novel, “Daimones“ that received the 2012 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Award in Science Fiction. This September, “Daimones” also won the 2013 Hall of Fame – Best Science Fiction from Quality Reads UK Book Club in collaboration with OrangeBerry Book Tours, shortlisted among thousands of other great candidates.

To read Massimo's interview with me, and more about this very interesting, talented author and his books please go to this link Massimo Interview.

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It's All About Choice

2/10/2013

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TD & AUBREY PHOTOS BY ZOE LAKE

by
T.D. McKinnon
First published on Indies Unlimited
7th October 2012
Photo by Zoë Lake

As Indie authors we have a lot of responsibilities, listing exactly what those responsibilities are could be the subject of an entire article; however, what I’m going to be looking at, on this occasion, is just one of the aspects that we, as independent authors, make decisions about that we might not be able to if we were taking the traditional route.

We, as individuals, have our own unique way of seeing things, and that distinctive view is generally fashioned by not only our journey through life, but also the way in which we have, individually, reacted to the various stimuli along the way. Due to my particular view of this reality I tend to use certain analogies, of which many of you may now be familiar.

I began my martial arts training, initially, by learning how to box; quite a narrow aspect of fighting when you think about it: perfecting the use of two relatively small points of the body that, should verbal negotiations fail, might be used in self defence. Learning to use their fists, some people are quite happy having just that feature of the martial arts in their life; whether taking it to, what might be termed, mastery or not.

The next martial feature that came into my life was learning to defend myself under more serious conditions, in close combat situations, where my very life would be in immediate danger. Many people, after undergoing intense periods of this kind of training, are happy enough to have had the training and never feel the need to extend it or, in most cases, even continue the training.

I then became involved in a classical martial art: this can be likened, perhaps, to someone who has been involved in rock ‘n’ roll dancing, jazz ballet or street dancing, and who then takes up classical ballet training. The downside of belonging to one of the classical arts is that, generally, you are pretty much expected to stay within its confines; the cloistered opinion being that outside of the classics is not real martial arts. When I began to move outside of those boundaries and was cautioned, cutting ties, I became an independent.

I know people who only read literary fiction and consider, so called, genre fiction to be not real literature, and somehow beneath them. There are authors of literary fiction who think similarly.

I know people who read nothing but fantasy, or sci-fi, or chic-lit or … you get my drift? Choices; they are all just choices. Some authors write what they write because that’s what they enjoy reading. Some authors find a niche, acquire a following, and choose to stay where it’s comfortable, or profitable, but the point I’m making is, when it comes right down to it, if you are an indie author, it’s all about choice.

My reading is heterogeneous and, in fiction alone, includes everything from literary fiction to adventure thriller/sci-fi and everything in between; also a wide-ranging mix of nonfiction. I truly delight in writing in all the genres I enjoy reading.

My point here, in relation to writing and genre, is that it is all just a matter of choice. Fighters fight, writers write; whether a writer stays within a particular genre or not – if he or she is an indie at least – it’s all about choice!

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25/9/2013

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Bang! Zap! Kapow!
Get the Fight Right!
by
T.D. McKinnon
First published on Indies Unlimited 2nd September 2012
Artwork by Zoë Lake

If you are not knowledgeable in an area you are writing about you owe it to your readers, and yourself, to do the research: consult the experts or risk appearing like an amateur.

When I am reading a book or watching a movie and it reaches a fight scene, or an act of violence: a point at which physical conflict is involved, I tend to zero in on any inaccuracies. From that statement you might conclude that a particular kind of subject matter attracts me; however I would argue that some kind of combative, violent or physical conflict will be found in ninety percent of all the reading and or cinematic fare on offer.

There have been times, whilst totally engrossed in a book or a movie, my disbelief totally suspended, when one unresearched, implausible paragraph or fight scene has ruined the whole experience; and all for the lack of some decent research.

The fact that some of these stories have been written by well established authors leaves me in no doubt that others have had this same disappointing encounter: finding the quality of their reading experience reduced, somewhat, if not entirely ruined. My wife, who has no experience of fights or violence on any level, can tell when she is reading or seeing an action/fight scene that just isn’t plausible. It’s actually surprising how many people can tell that it’s not quite right; don’t underestimate your sagacious readers.

Basic rule of thumb: don’t have your characters doing something unless you know it to be possible, regardless of how many authors have used it previously; for example: ‘Striking upwards with the heel of his hand, driving his attacker’s nose bone into his brain, he died instantly!’ For your information, it wouldn’t matter if he hit him with a sledge hammer! The sledge hammer might just pulp his brain, killing him, but certainly the nose bone business wouldn’t work!

The rules change slightly, of course, in the case of a supernatural, fantasy or magical tale; the author then makes his or her own rules, and if you take on those rules anything is plausible. Mind you, those authors should then operate within their own rules; without recognisable rules of some description it’s almost impossible to effectively build suspense; however that’s a subject that deserves to be addressed separately, at some length, in a future post.

I understand that relatively few writers will have had the experience of dealing with real violence in their lives, and that few writers are martial arts masters. I would also concede that the chances of there being a writer/martial arts master who has had their training and theoretical knowledge tried and tested in real life situations is even slimmer. However – and the same is true for any kind of specialised knowledge – if you are going to write about something, as previously stated, you owe it to your readers and yourself to get it right, and if you are not an expert in that area then you had better do the research.

Having been a student, teacher and master in a variety of martial disciplines, during an eventful and at time dangerous lifetime, I am extremely fortunate, as a writer, to be able to utilise that priceless reservoir of knowledge. When writing a fight scenario or violent action scene I know if it is realistic, probable and plausible; however more importantly, both physically and emotionally, I know what it actually feels like.

So, rather than advocate the old adage, ‘Write what you know,’ I would advise that you, ‘Know what you write,’ and in the case of a physical conflict scene, ‘Get the fight right!’

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24/9/2013

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PHOTO BY ZOE LAKE

One Thing Leads to Another
by
T.D. McKinnon
First published on Indies Unlimited 5th August 2012
Photo by Zoë Lake

You should never get annoyed at red lights; just go with the flow!

When I lived in Sydney; in my busy existence one day, whilst driving across town through heavy traffic, I seemed to be collecting an over abundance of red lights. I was running later and later for an important appointment and finally, frustrated beyond belief, and at the tail end of a block of traffic – had I not spotted the police car out of the corner of my eye – I fully intended to take my chances and run the red light. A few seconds later there was an almighty crash up ahead as a seven car pile-up ensued. Wow! If it wasn’t for that police car I would have… Wait a minute… Where did that police car go? There never was a police car!

It’s funny how one thing leads to another, which in turn leads to another and in turn leads to… Well, without labouring the point too much, you get the picture: you just never know where a particular incident is going to take you. The smallest, innocuous occurrence can change your life; so relax, have the right intent, and accept what the universe presents to you.

Fast forward ten years… Earlier this year, I was in my local library, doing some research for a manuscript I was working on, and while using one of the library computers I attempted to bring up my own website. It was then I discovered that their security screening was blocking my website: I was on the banned website listing. The chief librarian could give me no logical explanation as to why this should be, ‘Unless,’ he said, ‘you have some restricted material or unbefitting language on your site!’

After explaining that nothing had changed on my site, in regard to content, and it had not been banned previously, on my last library visit – also, that as an independent ePublishing author, my website was my shop front, my display window and my counter sales – he promised to have the matter looked into immediately. It was then that he asked if I would be interested in giving a talk on ePublishing at the library, for the ‘National Year of Reading’, where of course I would also be free to tout my own ePublishing works. I naturally agreed to do the talk.

Because of this talk, I was contacted by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company) radio network and asked if I would do an interview for their ABC morning radio programme, The Breakfast Show, in regard to the ePublishing talk I was delivering for ‘The National Year of Reading’. After the live interview I received a telephone call from David Laing, a children’s book author, formerly from Scotland and now living thirty minutes away, who wanted to congratulate me on an excellent interview.

A couple of weeks later I was contacted by a representative from the National Trust; asking if I would like to take part in a National Trust initiative: as a contributing author in a children’s story book venture. David Laing and four other children’s authors had already contributed a chapter each; David had recommended me for a final chapter. I actually wrote two concluding chapters and the children’s story book, ‘A Tumble in Time’, was finished ahead of schedule. It has now been accepted for the ‘2012 Sydney Writer’s Festival’. I was asked to give another interview, in regards to the story book, this time for a state-wide ABC radio show.

Meanwhile, when I delivered the ePublishing presentation for ‘The National Year of Reading’, I was invited to launch a Tasmanian writer’s group’s annual anthology, and to talk about my writing. Also, I was approached by the SWWT (Society of Women Writers of Tasmania) to deliver the ePublishing presentation to its members. And, as a result of all this exposure a publisher is currently looking at my historical fiction, ‘Terra Nullius’, with a view to publishing.

My point being that the above litany of events all hinged on the incident with the City Library computers and just goes to show you that ‘you should never get annoyed at red lights; just go with the flow!’

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12/9/2013

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PHOTO BY ZOE LAKE

Embrace the eFuture
by
T.D. McKinnon
First published on Indies Unlimited 22nd July 2012
Photo by Zoë Lake

Personally, I will always love the sensual experience: the smell and touch reading a printed book. I suppose that no matter how convenient or inexpensive eReading is when compared to the real thing, so to speak…given the choice, especially if I didn’t have to shell out the thirty or forty dollars, as opposed to three or four dollars, I might still reach for the paper book. However, young readers are reaching for eReaders by choice, and a lot of the oldies, like me – being gifted eReaders by younger family members – are converted by the convenience and the price. The trend is changing, and quite rapidly.

I have to admit that before I began my research into ePublishing a little over a year ago, I truly believed that the decline in hard copy books and bricks and mortar book shops was the death knell to the art of reading, particularly with the onslaught of text speak – a personal hate of mine. I envisaged a future where people didn’t read, couldn’t read, or write, or even speak properly, where they communicated in a kind of ‘pidgin text speak’. I discovered, however, the complete opposite and in fact the number of leisure readers is increasing, and mostly the increase is due to the eRevolution.

It seems ePublishing, the eReader, and the eBook are reclaiming some of those lost leisure readers. Now they can surf the ‘net, check out the blogger reviews, suggestions and choices, download the free samples and then purchase a book of their choice for the cost of a coffee at the corner cafe: all from their lounge chair.

There are many positive aspects of the eReading evolution: books that have been out of print for years, quite unobtainable, are now available online, for free. My wife has just found an author and a book that her aunt used to talk about reading when my wife was a small child; she could never get hold of a copy – it was out of print. Now she has found it online, at no cost. So, the younger generation can get a taste for reading by downloading old classics, for free, and then go on to download excellent, current titles for the cost of a cup of coffee. This is all good for the reading public and for the authors.

So who is not benefiting by the eRevolution? Publishers, agents, brick and mortar booksellers perhaps? Hmmm… I certainly believe, like all of us, their part in the literary industry is being redefined. I also believe that, unlike the authors and the readers, their part may be shrinking in the process and will continue to shrink for some time to come. There will always be, I believe, a place for the ink on paper, hard copy book, but I think it will eventually be a niche market. We’ve already seen the disappearance of some of the large chain-store bookshops. The big publishing houses will morph, or go the way of the dinosaurs. The literary agents have been the strict gatekeepers of the publishing industry for many years, coming more and more into prominence during the 20th century; they came to regard themselves as an essential part of the literary process. Personally, I believe the literary agents will have to do a considerable amount of morphing during this eRevolution if they want to survive.

The infrastructure for ePublishing and the literary industry may be temporarily clogged but, the serious independent author/ePublisher knows cream eventually rises to the top. We simply have to weather the current climate, stick together, support one and other and we will prevail.

Embrace the eFuture; for writers, it has never looked so good.

TD

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September 05th, 2013

5/9/2013

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PHOTO BY ZOE LAKE

My Best Day As A Writer?
by
T.D. McKinnon

First published on Indies Unlimited 5th June 2012

Photo by Zoë Lake

While considering this question, I found that it was not as straight forward as it first appeared, there were several occasions that I was tempted to label as ‘my best day as a writer’.

It could have been the day I finished the first draft of my first book. That memory, with its associated feeling of accomplishment, conjures up a warm, fuzzy sensation; radiating happiness. I have heard other writers describe this as their best day as writer.

It may well have been the day I completed the final draft of that first book; with the realisation that ‘this is the definitive copy, the one that is going to the printers’. Again, I’ve heard others define, in glowing terms, this experience as their best day, and I do remember that day, fondly: how my blood pumped just a little quicker and my head felt light and buzzy.

Conversely, when I held that fresh, first hard copy of that first edition: felt it, ran my fingertips over it, flicked through its pages, held it against my face and smelled that new book aroma; I remember wanting to taste it, I may even have licked it; that too is a stand out moment I will always cherish.

At my first book launch I was so excited I could barely speak, my hands were shaking and my mind was spinning this way and that; so much so, I couldn’t remember the names of old friends who had come to support me. When the time came for me to make a speech I was so emotional I was near to tears, and autographing the books afterwards, trying to write a few simple words, became almost impossible; I could hardly even manage my signature.

When I travelled to the UK, from Tasmania, to do a whirlwind book signing tour, my first engagement was at Waterstone’s in Coventry (near one of the coalmining communities where I grew up); the day was a huge success, I saw people I hadn’t seen or heard of for forty years or more, including a cousin. That day came close to being my best day as a writer.

However, can any of those occasions compare with that all consuming feeling when you are in the middle of your latest story, in full flight, and there’s a seemingly endless, effortless flow. It’s not always like that, at least not for me, but when it is and the flow is on, sometimes in the middle of the night my muse will wake me, because ‘it’ can’t wait, won’t wait until morning. By morning it may have escaped and be lost to me forever. That feeling is awesome; a confirmation that, ‘Yes, I really am a writer’. Although those moments don’t come nearly enough; thankfully they do happen, and often enough that I am unable to pick one above another and say, ‘That was my best day as a writer’.

I was seven years old and after coming first in my school year’s writing competition I had pride of place at the school open-day. After reading my story, Snowdrop the Polar Bear, smiling, the headmistress announced, “I do believe we have a budding author in our midst.”

The story of Snowdrop the Polar Bear had two hundred and seventeen words, only four paragraphs. It may not have been the most profound story ever written by a child; however, just as the smallest mountain stream has a probable future in a larger river, and eventually that river has a probable future in one of the great oceans of the world; I see ‘Snowdrop the Polar Bear’ as one of those small mountain streams, and that fist completed book as a larger river, ultimately leading to the ocean: the body of literature I will produce in my lifetime.

A clear snapshot in time, I’ve never forgotten that school open-day all those years ago, or those words of encouragement. All my life that memory has been a source of nourishment and inspiration, it sustains me still, and from that day forward I considered myself a writer; even though it would be fifty years before I published my first book. Without that day I would probably still have been a writer; however, I truly believe that that day, at seven years of age, was a singularly, life defining experience and therefore, ‘my best day as a writer’.

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Flash Fiction - Indies Unlimited 4th September 2013

4/9/2013

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Following is my entry for this week's Flash Fiction.
To cast your vote please click here - VOTE NOW!

Tough Stuff - OSCAR

As the sun rose over the township, Oscar surveyed his domain. He hadn’t always been Oscar, and this one eyed, battle scarred, street warrior hadn’t begun life on the streets.

For two years, living in a cosy little cottage, Fluffy was the pampered, well fed companion of gentle, elderly Muriel. Never far from her lap, he’d been a cherished birthday gift: the very last thing George, her husband of sixty years, had given her before he died. When she too passed on, the cottage and all worldly possessions went to her son, Jeremy, but with a stipulation that he take care of Fluffy; otherwise everything was to go to auction, with the proceeds and Fluffy going to the cats’ home.

Jeremy, a mean spirited individual, went through the motions, but from day one Fluffy was locked out, right in the middle of winter, a saucer of the cheapest cat food, when Jeremy remembered, left daily on the back step.
One night Fluffy fell foul of the local top-cat, a big feral tom, and his gang. Discovered on the doorstep the following morning, more dead than alive, Jeremy left him at the local vets, to be put out of his misery. Calling in to pay on his way home, a sorry looking, stitched up, moggy with one eye was waiting for collection.

“I saw him take on five ferals last night, all at once… a regular little Oscar De La Hoy this one. No way I’m euthanizing him,” said the vet.

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A lovely winter's day walk along the beach... brrr

19/8/2013

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Took a walk today in-between sudden downpours and raging winds along the beach... bracing... but sunny... for a minute!

Also found this 1998 letter from Sean Connery to Steve Jobs in my emails this morning that I thought you might like.

The typewriter I think is a very classy touch.

Happy surfing!

Photo by Zoë Lake

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Excellent review on Goodreads of my book 'Heather Skye Wilson Is the Psychic Warrior' by Melissa Bowersock.

David Laing's "Forest Secrets" Book Launch

My Interview by Award Winning Author Massimo Marino

It's All About Choice

September 05th, 2013

Flash Fiction - Indies Unlimited 4th September 2013

A lovely winter's day walk along the beach... brrr

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